Friday, November 13, 2009

The Lincoln Stars will return to the Ice Box this weekend for back-to-back home games against the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Waterloo Blackhawks. The Stars have struggled as of late, having lost four straight games, and seven of their last eight games. A rash of injuries did not help matters at all, but it appears the Stars are slowly on the mend. Brent Tate returned from the 45 day injured reserve list last weekend, while Brodie Reid and Steve West are back in the lineup after being out a few games. However, Jared Hanson, Will Rayner, and Andrew Ammon are still out of the lineup due to injuries. Forwards Garrett Peterson and Kyle Gibbons will both miss the Friday night game against the Bucs due to league suspension, but will return Saturday night against the Blackhawks. The Stars are currently 4-9 (8 points) on the season, two points behind Des Moines in sixth place in the USHL West Division.

As we have seen this past week, the Stars organization were not satisfied with the personnel on the ice, so numerous roster changes have been made. Goaltender Steven Racine and forward Jimmy Siers were traded to the Waterloo Blackhawks for draft picks. Jonathan Puskar was acquired from the BCHL, while goaltender Matt Green was also acquired from the BCHL to replace Racine. Defenseman Alec Rush was acquired from the Sioux Falls Stampede to help solidify the Lincoln blueline. Lincoln also hired a new assistant coach by the name of Jon Bellonio, who was an old college teammate of current assistant coach Nick Fouts. Bellonio was formerly the assistant coach at South Kent Prep School in Connecticut, where defenseman Will Rayner played last season. It was reported this week that the Stars put two players on their protected list that used to play at South Kent, forward Michael Pereira and defenseman Garrett Clement. If both players report to Lincoln, it will probably be after Thanksgiving.

Despite the recent losing streak and bad play, I really believe that the Stars can beat both of these teams this weekend. Des Moines is an offensive heavy squad, but lack defensive and goaltending depth. It is imperative that the Stars come out strong and physical in both games. As fragile as the team mindset is right now, they can't afford to fall behind at home to these two teams. Surprisingly, the penalty kill this season has been below average, so it has to be stressed that the players play smart out there. There's nothing wrong with playing physical hockey, but you have to eliminate the stupid, retaliatory penalties if you expect to win.

I really, really hope we see a good crowd turnout this weekend. Those players out there need our support right now, so drag anyone you can think of to these two games this weekend. Yell your ass off. Show the players we still have their back, no matter what.

Note: A reminder, the UNL women’s and men’s basketball teams will be playing this weekend at the Devaney Center. Friday night at 7pm the women’s team will be playing, while the men will be playing Saturday night at the same time. Traffic and parking won't be too bad Friday night, but it could get nasty Saturday night. Plan accordingly.

Well we are moving forward! I am so excited to see Green play more in the future! New team jitters an the sudden boost to the new league. I think he did very well tonight. I am digging all the roster changes also the additional coaching staff. Keep your heads up! Here we go!

We did have some good moments. Getting past the mistakes and developing as a team will eventually bring back their confidence...and the wins will come. Just takes a bit to dig out of the slump. I remain hopeful and will be there to support them no matter what - & loudly as always! Go Stars!!

Folks, let's not drown in the koolaid.If we are going to applaud a coach for roster changes,he should also be condemmed for having to make the changes. The only development so far is map reading, into and out of Lincoln.

Jimmy said in the post game,this is a developmental leauge. Now is the time to show how you develope.

ok so i finally met yeti friday... well atleast he didnt punch me out!!!i think i missed my last game for this season. my kids events should be done for awhile, until baseball season practice starts in jan or feb..so i guess i missed a heck of a game sat.coreau almost got another shut out.did he play that much better or did we have some defense to help him out??green bay lets team usa get their first win...lol

ill take all the credit for the win tonight guys, I didnt see chris tonite therefor we won, every time i see him we lose its been this way for 3 years now.... I hope i never see him again EVER!!!! hahahaha and its about time you get to shave grizzly adams